Miyoo Mini Plus Review

Gaming has been part of our lives since the ’80s, and for me, it all started with the Amiga. I still remember the thrill of playing Warzone and Paperboy—simple times, pixelated graphics, and hours of fun.

Then came the golden age of home consoles: the NES, the Sega Genesis… and later, those unforgettable handhelds like the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. Each one brought a new wave of excitement, new worlds to explore, and memories that stuck with us.

Thinking back to that era is like opening a time capsule—those games weren’t just entertainment, they were part of growing up.

Now imagine this: what if you could carry all those classics with you again, in your pocket? A portable device that lets you replay everything—from the 8-bit greats to the PlayStation 1 gems. Sounds like a dream, right?

The Miyoo Mini Plus

There are plenty of retro consoles out there, usually priced between 50 and 100 euros. But not all of them are created equal.

I was on the lookout for a console that my son could start playing with—something simple and fun—but that could also grow with him as he gets into more complex games down the line.

For me, the most important thing was ease of use and a smooth, bug-free experience. I wanted something that felt reliable and enjoyable, especially for a kid just starting to discover the magic of retro gaming.

As a parent, you want something that just works—no complicated setups, no crashes—just pure, simple fun. That’s exactly where the Miyoo Mini Plus shines, especially when paired with Onion OS.

It’s intuitive, solid, and packed with charm. Out of all the options I’ve looked into, this one feels like the most kid-friendly and dependable pick for little ones aged 4 to 8. It’s the kind of device that feels safe to hand over, knowing they’ll enjoy it without frustration.

The point of Retro Gaming

Retro gaming is all about nostalgia. Sure, today’s smartphones let you play incredibly advanced games—with stunning graphics, deep gameplay, and even real-time multiplayer with people from across the globe.

But there’s something special about going back to those simpler times. Where game developper were experimenting and trying to figure it out.

Today’s gaming market is saturated with highly profitable titles—many of which are designed to be fast-paced, addictive, and heavily driven by dopamine rewards.

Is gaming good in general?

I used to see gaming as a form of escapism—a way to experience growth, freedom, and adventure that everyday life in a structured society didn’t always allow. That’s probably why games like GTA felt so appealing—they gave you a sense of control and chaos you couldn’t find elsewhere.

But today, I’ve come to see games more like art—something that can soothe the soul, offer comfort, or even serve as a space to explore logic, creativity, and spatial awareness.

Art in games

It’s truly impressive to see the wide range of quality in games, even within the 2D realm. From animations and gameplay to design and sound, the difference is clear—especially when comparing timeless classics like Mario or Street Fighter.

What makes these iconic games truly special is how they still manage to look and feel great today, even with outdated technology. I recently tried Metal Gear Solid on the Miyoo Mini Plus, and honestly—with the small screen—it looked even better than I remembered. It’s like the nostalgia got an upgrade.

That’s where visionary game designers like Hideo Kojima truly shine. They bring a clear artistic vision to their work—so much so that, like watching classic films on old reels, their games can sometimes feel more striking and meaningful than today’s biggest blockbusters. It’s about taste and not about technology.

Can a handheld console with 5,000 games actually be a healthy and fun option for your child?

Of course, most parents would prefer to see their child playing outside at the park, socializing with other kids—that’s arguably the purest form of play.

But let’s be honest: our era is long gone. Today’s kids connect and play together in a digital world. Allowing or restricting your child from gaming is, in many ways, the modern equivalent of letting them join in with their peers during our own childhood.

For me playing games is healthy as long as it is balanced with responsibilities and if playtime is restricted.

I like to think that engaging with and experimenting with other people’s creations is the first step toward understanding design, engineering, and even developing a sense of art and quality.

To be honest, giving your child access to retro gaming is also a way to share a piece of your own past—and to connect with them on a deeper level.

Would I recommend the Miyoo Mini Plus?

Looking back, consoles and games weren’t exactly cheap. Take the SNES, for instance—it sold for about $199, or 1,290 francs. And just one game could easily cost $166, sometimes even between 449 and 690 francs. It really was a luxury back then.

Today, your child can enjoy all those classic games on the go with a $50-80 handheld console that comes loaded with over 5,000 titles—for free. That’s how incredibly convenient things have become.

Conclusion

8.5 out of 10.

In a world where convenience and options are unlimited, it’s easy to overlook the value of simplicity, nostalgia, and meaningful connection. Retro gaming offers more than just entertainment—it’s a gateway to shared memories, a bridge between generations, and a way for kids to discover the roots of creativity, design, and imagination.

Giving your child a retro console isn’t just about keeping them busy—it’s about opening a door to your own past, sparking curiosity, and perhaps even inspiring the next generation of creators. Sometimes, the old ways still have something special to teach us.